A modern choral classic: "The Road Home" by Stephen Paulus (1949-2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbwhSP3ZIq4
--------------------------------------------
Tell me where is the road I can call my own,
That I left, that I lost, so long ago.
All these years I have wondered, oh when will I know,
There's a way, there's a road that will l…
Echoing what a beautiful song this is and such a nice pairing with Peter Ralston’s photo. How about a duet with our other resident singer Bruce Sellers?
Aww...aren't you sweet!! I'm afraid my voice is stilled for the time being. Current problems with my spine are playing the devil with my mobility, so standing and walking unsupported is quite difficult. Trying to sing with this handicap (for vocal technical reasons), plus the fact that I've not sung a note in 14 months (!), means singing is just not in the picture right now. That pains me as it's been my whole life, but life's taken a twist (literally, in my spine!) I didn't foresee, so other things have to get sorted out first. The choir at my church is just today starting back being able to do some singing. That alone gladdens my heart. I don't know when, or if, I'll be able to rejoin them.
I have some other friends/colleagues in Conspirare--were I 20 years younger I'd be singing with them in a minute!-- and they do really excellent work. I adore the Paulus piece and have sung it. It's a hard piece to get through without choking up. The picture HCR posted does conjure up some musical images--Schubert's "Im Abendrot" comes to mind. Thanks, Ellie, for thinking of me! Instead of trying to myself sing, I offer this exquisite version of the Schubert...it always brings a tear to my eye..and Quasthoff absolutely nails the atmosphere of musing on the red sunset of the evening and the feelings it awakens in the heart...the way he does the last line gets to me every time...
The musical world is small. I first sang with Conspirare in 1996 and retired in 2011. It all started for me in 1983 with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale's inaugural season. The opportunities are so numerous now.
From other posts, taking opportunity here to let you know that a group of HCR Substackers has formed to turn great discussion into action, at this time with a focus on voting rights:
Stuart -- you are kind to ask. I come from a musical family -- so singing together, as well as playing piano and guitar, was part of life. We sang grace at every sit-down meal. We sang on long road trips. I'm the only sibling who turned it into a career .... four academic music degrees! I performed with top-level choral ensembles 1983-2011 before returning to my first love of folk singing.
No i haven't had that chance but very much appreciate listening to those who do....home as a child was not very musical. Somehow $y brother produced a child progeny concert pianist and a part-time cellist. My son is a rock musician and composer as well as other outlets for his artistic talents. I'm content with Handel, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Puccini and Verdi, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and much of the 60s and 70s rock, western and folk greats...they do it much better than I.
I love reading through your eclectic list of musicians to whom you listen! Those are many of my favorites, too, though my list definitely includes Mahler...
Indeed! Premiered on the same 1905 concert as Kindertotenlieder was another cycle setting Rückert poems, including one of my favorites "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen," which was beautifully woven through an exquisite 1989 Belgian film "Le Maitre du Musik." In fact, all of the texted music in the film directly interacts with the narrative. It's a masterful coalescence of the visual and auditory.
Cig, Conspirare is a wonderful choral group and it must have been be a joy to sing together. Both my husband and I love this recording of Stephen’s beautiful piece. My husband John created the role of Lawyer Royal in Stephen’s “Summer” (based on the Wharton novel) and premiered here in the Berkshires. John also sang his “The Long Shadow of Lincoln” for piano, cello, violin and bass-baritone at Cincinnati May Festival. Sadly no YouTubes of either. We were heartbroken when Stephen died. Such a loss.
Lee Cheek - My husband & I are also musicians and are still so heartbroken about Stephen's death. I don't often have time to read Heather's notes, but what a lovely surprise to come here and see all the Paulus lovers! <3
I sang with Conspirare 1996-2011. These days I make transcriptions for them when scores are not available, though I've also written program notes and offered pre-concert lectures. It keeps me involved, though no longer performing. I LOVE being in the audience!!!
A modern choral classic: "The Road Home" by Stephen Paulus (1949-2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbwhSP3ZIq4
--------------------------------------------
Tell me where is the road I can call my own,
That I left, that I lost, so long ago.
All these years I have wondered, oh when will I know,
There's a way, there's a road that will lead me home.
After wind, After rain, when the dark is done,
As I wake from a dream, in the gold of day,
Through the air there's a calling from far away,
There's a voice I can hear that will lead me home.
Rise up, follow me, come away is the call
With (the) love in your heart as the only song
There is no such beauty as where you belong
Rise up, follow me, I will lead you home.
----------------------
As performed by Conspirare on their Grammy-nominated disc "Requiem."
(PS. I sang on this album)
Echoing what a beautiful song this is and such a nice pairing with Peter Ralston’s photo. How about a duet with our other resident singer Bruce Sellers?
🙂🎵
Aww...aren't you sweet!! I'm afraid my voice is stilled for the time being. Current problems with my spine are playing the devil with my mobility, so standing and walking unsupported is quite difficult. Trying to sing with this handicap (for vocal technical reasons), plus the fact that I've not sung a note in 14 months (!), means singing is just not in the picture right now. That pains me as it's been my whole life, but life's taken a twist (literally, in my spine!) I didn't foresee, so other things have to get sorted out first. The choir at my church is just today starting back being able to do some singing. That alone gladdens my heart. I don't know when, or if, I'll be able to rejoin them.
I have some other friends/colleagues in Conspirare--were I 20 years younger I'd be singing with them in a minute!-- and they do really excellent work. I adore the Paulus piece and have sung it. It's a hard piece to get through without choking up. The picture HCR posted does conjure up some musical images--Schubert's "Im Abendrot" comes to mind. Thanks, Ellie, for thinking of me! Instead of trying to myself sing, I offer this exquisite version of the Schubert...it always brings a tear to my eye..and Quasthoff absolutely nails the atmosphere of musing on the red sunset of the evening and the feelings it awakens in the heart...the way he does the last line gets to me every time...
German:
O wie schön ist deine Welt,
Vater, wenn sie golden strahlet!
Wenn dein Glanz herniederfällt,
Und den Staub mit Schimmer malet;
Wenn das Rot, das in der Wolke blinkt,
In mein stilles Fenster sinkt!
Könnt’ ich klagen, könnt’ ich zagen?
Irre sein an dir und mir?
Nein, ich will im Busen tragen
Deinen Himmel schon allhier.
Und dies Herz, eh’ es zusammenbricht,
Trinkt noch Glut und schlürft noch Licht.
In the glow of evening
English translation:
How lovely is your world,
Father, in its golden radiance
when your glory descends
and paints the dust with glitter;
when the red light that shines from the clouds
falls silently upon my window.
Could I complain? Could I be apprehensive?
Could I lose faith in you and in myself?
No, I already bear your heaven
here within my heart.
And this heart, before it breaks,
still drinks in the fire and savours the light.
Oops...forgot to post the link to the performance...look at the photo, look at the text, and listen to Schubert...sublime.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qauQ0Q8mfVY
A soothing balm indeed .... thank you!
The musical world is small. I first sang with Conspirare in 1996 and retired in 2011. It all started for me in 1983 with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale's inaugural season. The opportunities are so numerous now.
With hope that you'll one day return to singing!
From other posts, taking opportunity here to let you know that a group of HCR Substackers has formed to turn great discussion into action, at this time with a focus on voting rights:
heathersherd@gmail.com
Beautiful—thank you so much for sharing this!
Tell us more about your singing if you'd like, please.
Stuart -- you are kind to ask. I come from a musical family -- so singing together, as well as playing piano and guitar, was part of life. We sang grace at every sit-down meal. We sang on long road trips. I'm the only sibling who turned it into a career .... four academic music degrees! I performed with top-level choral ensembles 1983-2011 before returning to my first love of folk singing.
Do you sing?? Make music???
No i haven't had that chance but very much appreciate listening to those who do....home as a child was not very musical. Somehow $y brother produced a child progeny concert pianist and a part-time cellist. My son is a rock musician and composer as well as other outlets for his artistic talents. I'm content with Handel, Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Puccini and Verdi, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and much of the 60s and 70s rock, western and folk greats...they do it much better than I.
I love reading through your eclectic list of musicians to whom you listen! Those are many of my favorites, too, though my list definitely includes Mahler...
Mine too. especially his "Songs on the death of children" (Kinder toten lieder)
Indeed! Premiered on the same 1905 concert as Kindertotenlieder was another cycle setting Rückert poems, including one of my favorites "Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen," which was beautifully woven through an exquisite 1989 Belgian film "Le Maitre du Musik." In fact, all of the texted music in the film directly interacts with the narrative. It's a masterful coalescence of the visual and auditory.
That was so fitting today.....my mother 94 year old mother passed away last night & this touched me. Thanks for sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss. My mom just turned 95. I will keep you in my heart.
Betsy -- Thank you for sharing such a personal event. May music continue to bring peace and healing to your soul as you mourn. Much love --
So sorry for your loss, Betsy.
Cig, Conspirare is a wonderful choral group and it must have been be a joy to sing together. Both my husband and I love this recording of Stephen’s beautiful piece. My husband John created the role of Lawyer Royal in Stephen’s “Summer” (based on the Wharton novel) and premiered here in the Berkshires. John also sang his “The Long Shadow of Lincoln” for piano, cello, violin and bass-baritone at Cincinnati May Festival. Sadly no YouTubes of either. We were heartbroken when Stephen died. Such a loss.
Lee Cheek - My husband & I are also musicians and are still so heartbroken about Stephen's death. I don't often have time to read Heather's notes, but what a lovely surprise to come here and see all the Paulus lovers! <3
Oh my! Such significant performances are hallmarks to treasure!
Conspirare has been been a part of my life since 1996 -- many joyful memories!
Oh, my, Cig. Every line is sterling. Every voice is angelic. Thank you for sharing. (I won't lie and say I picked you out of the chorus!)
Balm for the soul, especially when paired with such a gorgeous photo. Thank you!
Conspirare is absolutely amazing. I LOVE everything they perform! Do you sing with them?
I sang with Conspirare 1996-2011. These days I make transcriptions for them when scores are not available, though I've also written program notes and offered pre-concert lectures. It keeps me involved, though no longer performing. I LOVE being in the audience!!!